SB291 is a bill that seeks to amend Section 41-16-51 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which relates to public contracts. The bill aims to further provide for contracts for which competitive bidding is not required. It lists various contracts and purchases for which competitive bidding requirements would not apply, including contracts for utility services with fixed rates, purchases of insurance, purchases of ballots and supplies for elections, contracts for professional services, purchases made by blind or visually impaired individuals, purchases of maps or photographs from federal agencies, purchases of computer programs and software applications, and more. The bill also includes exceptions for purchases made through a purchasing cooperative program and purchases made from vendors with a valid Government Services Administration contract. Additionally, the bill specifies that certain purchases made by schools, medical clinic boards, public hospitals, and other entities would not be subject to competitive bidding requirements.

The bill also requires the establishment and maintenance of purchasing facilities and procedures for state trade schools, state junior colleges, state colleges, and universities. It requires compliance with competitive bidding requirements. Contracts entered into in violation of this article would be void, and individuals who violate the provisions of this article would be guilty of a Class C felony. The bill defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime. The bill will become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-16-51
Engrossed: 41-16-51
Enrolled: 41-16-51